the one with "the east" day one....

Istanbul is much like New York City, about 15 million people live in the city, and its is extremely diverse, with many, many tourists. But that is a hard statement to make, for it is so much different, minarets dot the skyline rather than steel skyscrapers, the “newer” tourist attractions are still about 3 times as old as our US constitution, and headscarves are a more common accessory than LV handbags. I also enjoy it much more than New York. Today I went on a city Orientation with SAS, we drove the “triangle” of the old city, and visited Sultanahmet Cami (AKA Blue Mosque, which I did not find to be very blue), Aya Sophia, Hippodrome Square, and the Basilica Cistern. It was all stunning. The Aya Sophia had some very interesting artifacts, and sorry if I offend any Muslims but I think it is a tragedy that it was converted into a mosque. Many parts of the original church are being restored; previously covered mosaics are being uncovered, because it is now a Museum. No longer regarded a “Active Holy Place” by any religions, it was built originally as a Byzantine Church it is interesting to see the crosses hidden behind Islamic mosaics. The Cistern was also interesting, and strangely beautiful. They are underground water storage areas from Byzantine time. There are now art exhibitions and concerts in them. It was eerie but really cool.
Overall it was a great day, much better then yesterday when I was bed ridden. Although tonight I will again be bed ridden. My back apparently does not like Turkey as much as my mind does, but maybe it is just making me rest to prepare for Egypt!
Email me, I will answer right away, especially here in Turkey in the evenings. So your mornings, I am 10 hours ahead of PST.
cmcoven@semesteratsea.net

Loves,
Cris